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Thursday, 1 September 2016

In Memory of Gene Wilder (1933-2016)

Gene Wilder (1933-2016)

My friends and fellow moviebuffs, it is a sad announcement that the legendary comic actor Gene Wilder who is best known for younger audiences as the titular character in 'Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory' and is also known for his collaborations with director Mel Brooks in 'The Producers', 'Blazing Saddles' and 'Young Frankenstein' has passed away from complications of Alzheimers at the age of 83 on August 29th 2016.

Before becoming a well-known actor and changing his name to Gene Wilder, he ventured into the stage in his late 20s and debuted to television in 1962. Wilder's first film appearance was that of a minor role when he played a hostage in 'Bonnie & Clyde'. Wilder would soon get to be a professional leading actor when cast in a pairing with Zero Mostel in Mel Brooks' directorial debut of 'The Producers' which he had been nominated for the Best Supporting Actor for this film. After he filmed 'The Producers', Wilder had a dry period with a continuous line of flops and one of which was 'Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory' a movie that in later years, grew a cult following. Wilder by this stage of his career was now a highly recognised star in Hollywood and his career began to recover with two successful comedies that were directed by his old colleague from 'The Producers' Mel Brooks such as 'Blazing Saddles' and 'Young Frankenstein'. The comedian also collaborated with fellow actor and comedian Richard Pryor in pictures like 'Silver Streak', 'Stir Crazy', 'See No Evil, Hear No Evil' and 'Another You'. Gene was married three times, once to comedienne Gilda Radner, whom she met Wilder while filming a movie together called 'Hanky Panky' and their marriage lasted for seven years at which point Gilda tragically died from ovarian cancer in 1989, leaving Gene a widow.

Gene's last appearances was in three television movies 'Murder in a Small Town','Alice in Wonderland' and 'The Lady in Question' and two episodes of the television drama 'Will and Grace'.

Gene Wilder has had an amazing career in film and has achieved outstanding results with the characters he has portrayed. Gene will forever be remembered for years to come by the wonderful work that he done. May he rest in peace.